Delectable Empanadas de Piña Recipe for Foodies
Greetings dear foodies, today I am thrilled to present to you my deliciously sweet and tart flaky baked pineapple empanadas recipe that will blow your taste buds away! Empanadas de piña is a traditional pastry in Latin America that has won hearts all around the world. This recipe made with just 11 ingredients and 25 minutes of prep work, will make you feel like a professional chef in no time.
These empanadas are filled with caramelized pineapple, sugar, cinnamon, and candied orange making them incredibly flavorful with every bite. The dough is made of flour, butter, cream cheese, and vanilla giving it an irresistibly soft texture that melts in your mouth. These empanadas have become one of my favorite desserts to make since they are simple yet satisfying.
If you’ve never experienced the magic of an empanada before, this recipe is the perfect introduction. And if you’re already a lover of these sweet treats, then this recipe will only further enhance your love for them. Trust me; once you take a bite of these pineapple empanadas, you’ll be transported to the streets of Latin America.
Are you ready to learn how to make this delectable treat? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, I am here to talk to you about a delicious and delightful recipe that has won countless hearts and palates all over the world. I’m talking about the Empanadas De Piña recipe, a classic treat that’s guaranteed to leave you begging for more.
So, why will you love this recipe? For starters, let’s talk about the pineapple filling. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors that gives you a mouthwatering burst of tropical goodness with every bite. This caramelized pineapple filling is perfectly balanced with a dash of cinnamon and sugar that provides an unforgettable aroma and taste.
But we don’t stop there! We use deliciously sweet tart flaky baked pastries that are sure to impress your taste buds. The empanadas de piña are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy and crispy texture, creating an unforgettable taste that makes it hard to stop eating.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, with only 11 ingredients that take a mere 25 minutes of prep work before baking. And when you’ve finished making them, they look and smell just like they were made in a professional bakery!
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s versatile enough for any palette. It can be enjoyed as dessert or as breakfast on-the-go. They’re also great for parties or sharing with family and friends.
So if you’re looking for a classic treat with a twist, then look no further than the Empanadas De Piña recipe. With its sweet pineapple filling, flaky crusts, and quick preparation time – it’s perfect for satisfying your cravings any day of the week!
Ingredient List
For the Dough:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of cold butter, cubed
- 4 oz of cold cream cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup of ice water
For the Pineapple Filling:
- 1 can (20 ounce) of drained pineapple, reserve juice (use an additional can if making a large batch)
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- Cinnamon stick
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: Candied orange
Whether you’re making empanadas for the first time or a seasoned pro, here are the ingredients you’ll need for making these delicious empanadas de piña. This recipe calls for a homemade dough made with all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, cold butter, and cream cheese. To bring out the tropical flavors of piña, we use a can of drained pineapple as the filling ingredient. You’d also need sugar, cinnamon stick, lime juice, and optional candied orange for added sweetness.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s the time you have been waiting for: the step-by-step guide on how to make these Empanadas De Piña! Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
To make the dough, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Cut 4 ounces of butter and 4 ounces of cream cheese into small pieces and add to the bowl. Mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until you get a crumbly mixture. Slowly add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water until the dough comes together.
Prepare the Pineapple Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of drained pineapple chunks (reserve juice), 1 cup of granulated sugar, and one cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This process will take around 20-25 minutes.
Once the mixture has thickened up, remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Add a dash of vanilla extract or some caramelized pineapple for an extra flavor punch!
Assemble the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Using a cookie cutter or a small bowl, cut out circles about 4 inches in diameter.
Place one heaping tablespoon of pineapple filling onto each circle. Fold over and use a fork to press down the edges and seal them shut.
Bake Your Empanadas!
Bake your pineapple empanadas for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once baked, let them cool down.
Serve your deliciously sweet tart flaky baked pineapple empanadas with some powdered sugar or candied orange on top!
Bonus – Dulce de Leche Filling
As a bonus, I will show you how to make Dulce de Leche Filling. Mix 1 cup of dulce de leche with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use this filling instead of pineapple when assembling your empanadas. Bake as directed above. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Well folks, if you’re looking to change things up with this recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
If you want to switch up the filling, try adding in some candied orange or apple pieces along with the pineapple for a fruity flavor explosion. You could even mix in some shredded coconut, coconut cream or dried coconut flakes.
For the dough, if you don’t have cream cheese on hand or simply don’t like the taste, you can substitute it with queso Philadelphia, queso crema (cream cheese), or regular butter. If you’re making sweet empanadas, instead of flour 1 (purpose flour), try using cake flour for a softer texture that melts in your mouth.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and want to mix things up, try making some pumpkin empanadas with a pumpkin pie filling made from scratch. For a savory variation, perhaps cajun-spiced ground meat empanadas or spinach and feta cheese.
To make this recipe even more unique and exciting, change up the flavor profile by infusing different spices into the filling mixture. Perhaps add ginger powder along with cinnamon for a warm and spicy kick, or include nutmeg or clove for that extra autumnal aroma.
Incorporating these substitutions and variations will turn this recipe into something truly special! There’s endless ways to make empanadas de piña that fit your taste and ingredient preferences – the options are unlimited.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving empanadas de piña, there are a few options that pair perfectly with these deliciously sweet treats. First and foremost is a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. The combination of sweet and spicy notes adds another layer of complexity to the already mouth-watering flavor profile.
Another option is to serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning these baked pineapple empanadas into an indulgent dessert. The coolness of the ice cream complements the filling’s tartness and offers a delightful contrast to the warm, flaky crust.
For those looking for a more savory pairing, try serving empanadas de piña with a side of queso fresco or crumbled queso blanco. These types of cheese are relatively mild and have a refreshing tang that balances out the sweetness from the pineapple. Another excellent option is to serve with a slice of Manchego cheese or any other nutty, flavorful cheese.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take things up a notch by serving empanaditas alongside an orange or pineapple sorbet for added texture and tropical flavors. You can also experiment with coconut empanadas or pumpkin empanadas for more diverse options.
Empanadas de piña also pairs well with traditional Costa Rican beverages like Horchata, Tamarindo or even coffee. For those seeking something stronger, mix up some tropical cocktails like pina coladas or mai tais which complement the distinct taste of these empanadas.
In summary, the versatility of empanadas de piña means they pair well with many different sides, desserts or drinks. So be creative and make them your own!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have mastered the art of baking these deliciously sweet and tart flaky baked pineapple empanadas, it’s time to learn how to store, reheat and make-ahead these treats.
To make-ahead your empanadas, simply prepare them following the recipe instructions and then, before baking, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When it’s time to enjoy your pre-made empanadas, simply take them out of the fridge or freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), place the empanadas on a lined baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
If you have any leftover baked empanadas, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, be sure to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating your leftover baked empanadas is easy. Simply place them on a baking tray and heat them up in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through.
Whether you are having guests over or want a quick snack, these delicious empanadas can be stored ahead of time and reheated with ease. Plus, their perfectly balanced sweetness means that they make a great treat any time of day!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re trying a new recipe, it’s always helpful to have some tips and tricks to make the process smoother. Making empanadas de piña is no exception. Here are some tips for ensuring that your end result is as deliciously sweet and tart as it should be.
1. Chill the dough before rolling it out.
This will help prevent the dough from sticking to your countertop or rolling pin. It also ensures that the dough is more elastic and easier to work with when it’s cold.
2. Use a fork to crimp the edges of your empanadas.
Not only does this technique make your empanadas look prettier, but it also helps ensure that they stay sealed while they bake. No one wants their delicious filling spilling out!
3. Experiment with different types of pineapple.
While many recipes call for canned pineapple, using fresh pineapple can add a whole new level of sweetness to these empanadas. You can also try caramelizing the pineapple beforehand, which brings out its natural sugars and intensifies the flavor.
4. Don’t overfill your empanadas.
It can be tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but this can cause your empanadas to burst open during baking or remain undercooked in the middle. Stick to the recommended amount of filling or adjust accordingly depending on the size of your empanada.
5. Have fun and experiment with variations!
Empanadas de piña are delicious on their own, but you can also try adding different ingredients like coconut flakes or candied orange peel for an extra layer of flavor. Or switch up the filling entirely with something like pumpkin puree or queso philadelphia for a savory twist.
Follow these tips and let your creativity run wild as you make empanadas de piña that are uniquely yours!
FAQ
Now that you have the basic understanding of how to create a delicious recipe for Empanadas de Piña, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions regarding this traditional Brazilian and American cuisine. Let’s explore some of the commonly asked queries about this recipe so you can get all the information necessary to make the perfect empanadas for your next meal.
What are 3 types of empanadas?
When it comes to empanadas, the Tucumán region has some unique and delicious fillings. These three specialties, beef, tripe, and chicken, are wrapped in dough and cooked in beef fat in a traditional clay oven.
What is pineapple empanadas made of?
To make this recipe, you will need a 20-ounce can of drained pineapple tidbits, as well as a can of drained crushed pineapple. Be sure to save the juice from both cans. In addition to the pineapples, you will need 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. To thicken the mixture, you will use 3 tablespoons of cornstarch combined with the reserved pineapple juice.
Which dough is best for empanadas?
Using pre-made pie dough is a popular choice when making empanadas, mainly because the ingredients in most pie dough recipes are comparable to the ones in this recipe. The main components of pie doughs, such as flour, butter, salt, water, and occasionally egg, are all essential ingredients for the empanada dough.
Are empanadas usually baked or fried?
My favorite way to make these delicious Brazilian snacks involves using masa, a corn dough, which is stuffed with fish, chicken or beans. Once filled, they are then deep fried until golden brown and crispy. To top it off, I like to use cabbage or salsa for an added kick of flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a sweet and easy dessert that will please any crowd, give these Empanadas de Piña a try. With only 11 ingredients and 25 minutes of prep work, you can have deliciously sweet and tart flaky baked pineapple empanadas in no time.
These empanadas are the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and buttery, making them a crowd favorite at any event or gathering. Not to mention, this recipe allows for substitutions and variations so you can put your own spin on it.
So why not add some tropical flavor to your dessert selection with these Pineapple Empanadas? Give them a try, and I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
Empanadas De Piña Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 8 ounces pineapple preserves, drained
- powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the preserves, mix well.
- Knead into a dough; roll out and cut with biscuit cutter.
- Place about 1 tsp (a little less) in center of each circle; fold over and crimp edges with fork to seal.
- Bake at 350 for about 12 minutes until light golden. Dust with powdered sugar.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.